She was annoyed that she’d missed Gary the past two days, while their lack of interaction had obviously not bothered him. She’d been thinking they only had a short time in Indigo Bay, so they should take advantage of every opportunity to be together. Yet even today, Gary was only with her because Steven cancelled out on surfing.
Two girls, who had to be in their teens, giggled as they passed Gary, one of them licking her lips and throwing in a snide comment about someone being “yummy.” Katie’s foot wanted to accidentally jump into their path, but she forced it to behave. And she barely stopped her mouth from mumbling something about coming back when they were out of there training bras. Except they’re both more well-endowed than I am.
Gary pointed across the street. “On the way back, let’s hit that store—Sands and Such. I think it has souvenirs, and I want an Indigo Bay coffee mug.”
“I went in there the other day and got a beach hat. There’s a ton of cheap touristy stuff.”
“We should go to the Trixie Cone,” he said. “I know you love ice cream.”
“I do, but I’m stuffed.”
“In my family, we have a saying. ‘There’s always room for ice cream, because it melts and fills in all the air spaces in your stomach.’”
“Your family sounds more fun than mine. Dad would probably be talking about how ice cream raises your cholesterol.”
As they passed a jewelry store called Coastal Creations, two attractive women emerged. Like almost every female who crossed Gary’s path, they gawked at him with flirtatious smiles that practically shouted, “I’m available!”
Katie glared until she caught their gazes, and the two wisely averted their eyes.
Inside the Chocolate Emporium, a woman named Eva helped her choose an assortment for Nicole.
“I’d love to try your specialty, those caramel chocolate-dipped apples.” Katie’s mouth watered as she perused the delectable treats. “But my roommate doesn’t like caramel.”
“Maybe she’d like chocolate-covered almonds,” Eva suggested.
“That sounds great,” said Katie. “And let’s add some of those chocolate truffles with the dark chocolate centers.”
Eva wrapped up the chocolates and arranged them in a small box. When Katie had paid for her selections, Gary said, “Can I have a half dozen of those dipped apples? What would you like on the outside, Katie?”
“Gary, I don’t need anything. I’m actually trying to lose a few pounds.”
“This could be our last day on earth,” he said. “Don’t deny yourself this pleasure. Besides, you definitely don’t need to lose any weight. You look perfect. Absolutely beautiful.”
Embarrassed by his declarat
ion, she couldn’t meet his eyes. “Okay. Thanks, then. I guess I’d like to try them with nuts and Oreos.” Gary had complimented her more in one week than Joseph had in five years. Had Joseph ever said anything that sweet and affirming? All her memories were of his criticisms. She couldn’t help wishing, once again, that she could be the kind of woman he needed. Maybe, if she psyched herself up, she could overcome her fear of the ocean, and go sailing with him tomorrow.
As they left the emporium with their treats, he caught her elbow. “Come with me. There’s one more place I want to go.”
His hand slid down, his fingers lacing with hers. It felt right. Whatever she’d said to hurt him, he must’ve forgiven her. Was it okay to let herself enjoy this time with Gary, or should she hold him at arm’s length? His Superman-blue eyes crinkled in the corners as he flashed a grin that warmed her inside.
No way I’m holding Superman at arm’s length.
He led her down Main Street, past Sweet Caroline’s to a building with “Seaside Cycles” on the sign. Inside were dozens of motorcycles and ATVs.
“Good afternoon?” asked a man who looked fiftyish. “I see from your bag you’ve been to the Chocolate Emporium. One of my favorite places.” He patted his belly, smiling. “Where are you folks from?”
“We’re from New York,” Gary answered. “Down here until Saturday, but I wish we could stay longer. Indigo Bay is fantastic. So much to do.”
“Yes, I love it here. My name’s Jeff Brewster.”
“I’m Gary Lassiter, and this is Katie Carson.” Gary was scanning the bikes with a huge grin, like a little boy in a pet store. “I see an interesting bike over there.” Gary wandered to the far right corner where a fancy-looking motorcycle gleamed in the overhead lights.
Jeff and Katie followed behind him.
“That’s one of my custom jobs.” Jeff said. “Isn’t she a beauty?”
“She is.”